ArcaMax

Yes, your children can be a link to life outside parenthood. But how?

--At their religious school, be part of the services. Join the ladies auxiliary. Volunteer to host a meeting of the parents at your home. (Put those singles nights on hold for a while; taking part in your children's lives is much more gratifying.) Your kids will be proud of ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: As many of us know right now, the job market is extremely tight. I have been looking for a job for over eight months. Thankfully, I recently landed a position at a great company. I was even able to increase my salary, which is such a huge win -- especially because of inflation increasing the cost of living. However, I am starting...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My new ophthalmologist is a 35-year-old man whom I have known since he was 8 years old and I coached him in youth football. He was in my son's class, and I had frequent contact with him through his school years until he left for college.

So I saw him in the office and I said, "Dr. Smith, how good to see you." He insisted, "...Read more

Dear Annie: My children are trying to move me into assisted living, and I feel like I'm being slowly erased.

I am in my early 80s, and I still live in the home where I raised my kids. It is not fancy, but it is mine. I know every creaky stair. I know which window sticks in the winter. I have neighbors who check in on me, a routine that keeps ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Since I was a small boy, silk fabric has always made me feel "safe." I remember wearing tights in the bathroom in front of the mirror or under my pajamas. Throughout the years, if nobody was around after work, I continued, but not around my wife, kids or now grandkids. I don't know why I enjoy them now in my 50s. Is this OK, or is ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I work in finance. Two weeks ago, I was told that I am being taken off of the project I'm working on and will be reassigned two new projects. I had no issue with this, but now my life at work is stressful because all of my time is still going to the project that I'm being transitioned off of, but there is no set date to when I ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a friend I've known for over 30 years. We're both retired. I'm married, she isn't. I keep very busy with a big house, rescued animals and projects I like to work on.

I'm not much for talking long on the phone, but I don't mind texting, because I can reply when I have time.

The last couple of years, this friend has ...Read more

Dear Annie: Spring break is coming, and instead of feeling excited, I feel like I'm bracing for impact.

We have school-aged kids, and every year this week turns into a mix of pressure, money stress and hurt feelings. Some families we know are doing big trips -- skiing, the Caribbean, Disney, you name it. My kids hear about it at school and ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have been married more than 20 years to my best friend. She's the love of my life. We have been through a lot together and have been in couples counseling for eight months. We almost divorced last year because of an emotional affair I had seven years ago. (She had a similar distraction last year.)

We are friends and do everything ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am in my last semester of college, and I think I should feel confident in my career choice and prepared for my industry; however, I feel as confused as when I first stepped on campus. Over the course of the last four years, I've switched my major a couple of times, searching for the best fit for me. While testing out different ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My sister likes to throw dinner parties. She goes all out with her best dishes and crystal, along with the menu. Often people will call and ask what to bring, but my sister always tells them she only wants the pleasure of their company.

Some guests will still bring a dish. My sister always acts like the dish is a hostess gift...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband and I recently moved to a new town, and I feel lonelier than I expected to feel at this stage of life.

We are new empty nesters. Our youngest left for college in the fall, and not long after that we relocated for my husband's job. On paper, it made sense. It is a nice area, safe, pretty and full of things people say ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have always looked inside a person before casting judgment. It has been six years that I've been close friends with my neighbor "Tim." I have always regarded him as a Kramer from "Seinfeld."

I have OCD. I am a clean freak. I work hard to support myself and my kids. Tim is on every government program. He's a hoarder. His dog is ...Read more

One coffee shop has become, through habit, an extension of my office. Today's meeting was with a field representative of a state congressional delegate. He wanted to share opportunities that might be available at a federal level. I spied a name written on the opposite side of the notebook where he was writing and told him I knew that person too,...Read more